Laos...Temples

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Today was Laos Temple day...in Luang Prabang still. My guide was a novice monk for 17 years, I think that's what he said...apparently that means they study, as in regular school, and can go on to be a regular monk, but he decided it wasn't for him, and now he's married with kid. However...means that I got a LOT of detail from him on all the Buddhist temples we visited, but sadly...my short term memory ain't what it used to be - I'm not even sure which picture if from which temple, or which temples I saw. I will say that the Royal Palace was quite interesting, but they don't let you take pictures inside...you even have to put your purse and camera in a little locker...so they are quite sure you're not taking any photos! Many/most of the temples are incredibly ornate...lots of gold leaf everywhere usually and/or some very nice mosaics. Sometimes it's a tad gaudy for my taste - but you certainly have to admire the workmanship and the pure grandiosity of it all...amazing amount of labor. I've included a random sample of photos from that day...with my comments, but as mentioned earlier...just not sure which is which temple - but they are all in Luang Prabang!

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